Table 1.

Summary of Independent Practitioner (IP) and Advanced Practitioner (AP) capabilities upon completion of training.

Final Training Level	Definition
Independent Practitioner (IP)	•Achieved competency to independently interpret cardiac findings on non-contrast and predominantly contrast-enhanced cardiac CT •Achieved competency to independently evaluate patient selection, preparation, scan protocol selection, dose modulation, post-processing, and image interpretation •Achieved competency in all of the common cardiac CT applications to include evaluation of coronary pathology, coronary anatomy, basic structural HD assessment, EP procedural planning, basic congenital HD, and functional CT
Advanced Practitioner (AP)	•Achieved competency in all capabilities ascribed to IP level of training •Achieved advanced skills and knowledge beyond IP, including evaluation of complex coronary artery disease, competency in structural heart planning and a wider spectrum of congenital heart disease •Achieved competency in vascular CT •Achieved competency in laboratory accreditation requirements and maintenance •Achieved competency in equipment purchasing, maintenance, and acquisition •Actively involved in quality improvement, performance improvement, and/or CT-specific research endeavors •Achieved competency in business aspects (billing, coverage, reimbursement, and prior authorization) of CT laboratory administration